ARISE Programme Opportunity at Merchant West Holdings Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town & Durban

Merchant West Holdings is inviting ambitious and motivated graduates to apply for its ARISE Programme, a full-time, permanent career opportunity designed to accelerate the development of emerging talent within the financial services industry. The programme is recruiting 10 individuals who are ready to begin their careers and gain practical exposure across Merchant West’s Lending businesses. Opportunities are available across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, making this an exciting option for graduates who want to build a long-term career in financial services and sales.

The ARISE Programme follows a rotational development journey that provides exposure to credit analysis, operations, legal, compliance and ultimately sales. Participants will gain practical insight into how different functions contribute to the success of lending businesses while developing the commercial, analytical and client-facing skills needed for a successful career. At the end of the programme, successful participants will move into full-time Portfolio Manager roles within a product area aligned with their strengths and interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to business growth by supporting new business development and identifying opportunities to expand Merchant West’s lending portfolio.
• Build and strengthen client relationships through proactive engagement and professional service.
• Conduct financial analysis to support new business opportunities and assess client requirements.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling relevant Merchant West products and services.
• Research and pursue new business prospects within the selected product area.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of potential clients and new deals.
• Monitor the sales pipeline to ensure a consistent flow of quality business opportunities.
• Analyse market dynamics and emerging trends to identify new lending opportunities.
• Stay informed about developments in financial services and the lending market.
• Assess client needs in detail and develop financial solutions that are aligned with their objectives.
• Work with internal teams to structure appropriate transactions and financial solutions.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure proposed solutions meet both client requirements and Merchant West objectives.
• Participate in negotiations with clients and other stakeholders to secure suitable terms and conditions.
• Assess the financial viability of proposed transactions and consider their potential impact on profitability.
• Support the evaluation of new deals by considering financial information, risks and commercial considerations.
• Assist in ensuring that new business transactions are executed accurately and within agreed timelines.
• Follow transactions through from initial opportunity to completion.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and identify additional financial needs.
• Identify opportunities to introduce complementary products and services from across the Merchant West Group.
• Generate and support the delivery of high-quality leads to other Merchant West business units.
• Prioritise lead quality and relevance rather than focusing solely on lead volumes.
• Apply knowledge gained through the rotational programme to contribute effectively to the Lending business.
• Work closely with internal teams across credit, operations, legal, compliance and sales.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of client and transaction information.
• Ensure all work is completed with a high level of attention to detail and professionalism.
• Continue developing financial, commercial and sales knowledge throughout the programme.
• Take ownership of learning opportunities and actively contribute to personal and professional development.

Requirements and Skills

• A completed Bachelor’s degree in Commerce is required.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a Commerce degree specialising in Accounting, Economics or Finance.
• No previous work experience is required.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in building a career within financial services.
• A genuine interest in sales and selling financial products is essential.
• Candidates should be enthusiastic about client-facing responsibilities.
• A strong passion for finance and financial services is important.
• Excellent verbal communication skills are required.
• Strong written communication skills are essential.
• The ability to build and maintain professional client relationships is important.
• Strong analytical abilities are required to interpret financial information and market trends.
• Candidates should be comfortable working with financial data and assessing commercial opportunities.
• Adaptability is essential, with the ability to learn new processes, systems and financial products quickly.
• Candidates must be willing to work collaboratively with internal teams and stakeholders.
• A strong team-player mindset is important.
• High attention to detail and accuracy are required.
• Candidates should be eager to learn and develop in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong initiative and a proactive approach to learning and business development are advantageous.
• Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability and a willingness to take responsibility.
• A clear criminal record is required.
• A clear credit record is required.

The Merchant West ARISE Programme offers graduates an opportunity to build a long-term career rather than simply gain temporary workplace exposure. As a permanent programme, it is designed to develop participants through practical rotations across different areas of the Lending business. This approach gives graduates the chance to understand the complete journey of a financial transaction while developing the skills required to progress into a Portfolio Manager role.

One of the key features of the ARISE Programme is its rotational structure. Participants will gain exposure to credit analysis, operations, legal, compliance and sales, allowing them to understand how these functions work together within the lending environment. This broad exposure can help graduates develop stronger commercial judgement, improve their understanding of financial products and gain insight into the requirements of client-facing financial services roles.

The programme has a strong sales and business development focus, making it particularly suited to candidates who enjoy working with people and are motivated by commercial results. Participants will be expected to identify new opportunities, build sales pipelines, develop client relationships and look for opportunities to cross-sell relevant Merchant West products. The role therefore combines financial analysis with relationship management and sales, requiring both analytical thinking and strong interpersonal skills.

Another important aspect of the programme is the ability to assess client needs and develop appropriate financial solutions. Successful participants will learn how to analyse financial information, understand market trends, evaluate potential transactions and work with internal teams to structure suitable deals. Negotiation will also form part of the experience, giving participants the opportunity to develop confidence when engaging with clients and stakeholders.

The ARISE Programme also places emphasis on the quality of business opportunities generated. Participants will be expected to build strong pipelines and provide high-quality leads to other Merchant West business units, with a focus on relevance and potential rather than simply increasing lead numbers. This approach can help graduates develop a stronger understanding of commercial value, customer needs and the importance of building sustainable client relationships.

The programme is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and adapt quickly. Candidates will be introduced to different financial products, processes and business functions, making curiosity and learning agility important qualities. The ability to work with different teams, accept guidance and continuously improve will help participants get the most from the rotational experience.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, with preference given to candidates who specialised in Accounting, Economics or Finance. No prior work experience is required, making the ARISE Programme particularly attractive to graduates looking for their first opportunity in financial services. Candidates should, however, have a clear interest in finance and sales and be comfortable developing their careers in a client-facing commercial environment.

The programme is available in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban and is offered as a full-time, permanent opportunity. Successful participants will ultimately transition into Portfolio Manager positions within a Merchant West lending solution aligned with their interests and capabilities. This progression provides a clear potential career path for graduates who demonstrate the required performance, commercial awareness and commitment to learning.

Candidates should be aware that a clear criminal record and clear credit record are required for the position. Applicants should also be prepared to work in a fast-paced environment where accuracy, communication, adaptability and teamwork are important. The ARISE Programme is particularly suited to graduates who are ambitious, confident, analytical and genuinely interested in developing a career in financial services sales.

Merchant West Holdings operates within the financial services sector, with the ARISE Programme sitting within the Finance (Lending) division and Asset Finance business unit. The opportunity provides graduates with exposure to a dynamic business environment while giving them the chance to develop practical skills across several lending functions. For candidates seeking a structured route into financial services, sales and portfolio management, this programme offers a strong platform for career development.

Interested graduates who meet the qualification requirements and have a passion for finance, sales and customer relationships are encouraged to apply. The ARISE Programme can provide valuable exposure to credit, operations, legal, compliance and business development while preparing successful participants for the responsibilities of a Portfolio Manager. Candidates should submit their applications through the official Merchant West careers platform.

Apply here